which statement best explains the process of subduction? one plates slides past another plate horizontally, an oceanic plate covers a continental plate, a denser plate pushes down under a lighter plate, or magma rises through the cracks in a solid rock plate
The statement that best explains the process of subduction is: "a denser plate pushes down under a lighter plate."
The statement that best explains the process of subduction is: "A denser plate pushes down under a lighter plate."
The statement that best explains the process of subduction is that a denser plate pushes down under a lighter plate.
To understand why this statement is accurate, let's first explain what subduction is. Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves underneath another plate and sinks into the Earth's mantle.
Now, to determine which plate subducts, it depends on their density. Oceanic plates tend to be denser than continental plates. When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is forced underneath the lighter continental plate.
As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it typically forms a deep oceanic trench at the point of subduction. This downward movement is driven by the force of gravity and the density difference between the two plates. As the oceanic plate subducts, it is eventually melted back into the mantle in a process called partial melting or flux melting. This melted material, known as magma, can then rise to the surface through volcanic activity.
Therefore, the statement that "a denser plate pushes down under a lighter plate" best explains the process of subduction.